Lowering the concentration of plasma triglycerides

This invention relates to a method of lowering the concentration of plasma triglycerides in a hyperlipidemic subject by administering pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient non toxic but effective quantities of each stereoisomer, or mixtures of the two of (2,3-dichloro-4-methoxy) phenyl 2-furyl ketone O-(diethylaminoethyl)oxime of formula I or their salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for example hydrochloric, methane sulfonic acids.

This oximino compound ##STR2## and its preparation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,808. This compound is known as a peripheral and coronary vasodilatator and so useful to treat coronary heart disease; in such a disease high plasma lipid concentrations is very frequent and therefore it is useful, and unexpected, to treat these 2 disorders with the same compound. The hypolipidemic activity of (2,3-dichloro-4-methoxy)phenyl 2-furyl ketone O-(diethylaminoethyl)oxime or its salt is demonstrated in obese rats, fatty breed, by oral administration of the methane sulfonate of the compound at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 7 days. The eighth day, animals are killed and the blood taken. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol and lipids are determined by standard methods. The results are summarized in Table I.

______________________________________

(Isomer Z)

Effect of compound I on plasma liquid con-

centrations of Fatty rat

Control Treated

______________________________________

Plasma lipids

1012 ± 201 626 ± 180

(mg/100 ml)

Plasma trigly-

506 ± 98 174 ± 35.2

cerides

(mg/100 ml)

______________________________________

The isomer E gives equivalent results.

Compared to controls, the treated animals showed a significant reduction in plasma lipids and triglycerides but plasma cholesterol concentrations were not significantly affected.

The hypolipidemic compositions of this invention are prepared in conventional dosage unit forms by incorporating the compound of formula I, as a liquid, or as one of its solid pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a pharmaceutical carrier according to accepted procedures, to obtain oral or injectable form.

The method of treatment according with this invention comprises administering to a patient in need thereof each stereoisomer or a mixture thereof of (2,3-dichloro-4-methoxy)phenyl 2-furyl ketone O-(diethylaminoethyl)oxime in an active but non toxic amount selected from 25 mg to 200 mg per dosage unit.